When it comes to your good dental health, prevention is always preferable to restorative or cosmetic correction. Yet, prevention requires a conscious and consistent effort on your part, which not only includes brushing and flossing every day, but also attending your regular checkups and cleanings every six months (or more often). Today, we explain the finer points of good dental health by exploring why prevention should be a routine part of your day, at home and at your dentist’s office.
Prevention at Home
Generally speaking, preventive dentistry means any service designed to avoid, or to detect early, common issues that affect your teeth, gums, and oral structures. On a daily basis, this means controlling the plaque that builds on your teeth and along your gum line. A byproduct of oral bacteria, plaque and the calcified tartar it can become are the leading causes of tooth decay, gum disease, chronic bad breath, and more.
Prevention at the Dentist’s Office
However, even if you diligently brush and floss your teeth twice or more a day, the miniscule spots of plaque that you miss will eventually harden into tartar, which is insoluble and will not come off with toothpaste and water. To prevent the bacteria in tartar from causing irreversible damage, you should attend a dental checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. If an issue has already developed, or if you are at an increased risk, then we may recommend more-frequent visits until your dental health is once again in the clear.
What if It’s Too Late for Prevention?
Besides cleaning your teeth, your routine preventive appointments also allow us to thoroughly check your teeth and gums for telltale signs of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as balance issues like bruxism and TMJ disorder. If a problem is spotted and prevention is no longer an option, then a comprehensive diagnosis will help us determine the most viable treatment options.
ABOUT YOUR BUTLER, PA, DENTIST:
Dr. Keelan and our dedicated team at Keelan Dental offer patients the comfortable, convenient dental care that everyone needs and deserves. To schedule an initial consultation, or your next dental appointment, call our office in Butler, PA at (724) 285-4153. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.